“In addition, we have also made adequate arrangements in other places like Pulwana, Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara towns to ensure that miscreants are prevented from creating any law and order problems,” the officer added.

Separatist leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, have appealed to people people to observe a protest shutdown against the killing of four civilians over two days — Tuesday and Wednesday — during clashes between stone pelting mobs and security forces in Drugmulla, Kupwara district.

They have also called for post-prayer protests on Friday.

Areas where restrictions have not been imposed, shops, public transport, other businesses, also remain shut.

Earlier in the day, mobile and internet services were suspended in Kashmir. Initially the suspension was only in north Kashmir, but now it is all across the Valley.

The four civilians were killed as a result of a rumour that was spread in Hanwana town on Tuesday that a school girl was allegedly molested by an army soldier.

However, the girl denied the allegations via a video clip that went viral on social media.

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) has been suspended for allegedly firing at the protesters.